Parks said he expected about 600 people to partake in the meal this year.

In addition to a meal of barbecue, attendees were also entertained by musical group Royal Image, whose lead singer is a veteran.

William W. McLemore, public affairs officer and veterans advocate, served as the guest speaker for the event.

Additionally, organizations set up booths with information helpful to veterans.

"A lot of folks don't realize if they are 100 percent service-connected disabled, if they are in the state of Texas, their property tax is exempted," said Philip McGuill, a veteran's counselor at the Texas Veterans Commission, who had a booth at the event. "A lot of folks have conditions that are service-related. They can get treatment and compensation for that."

Other organizations with a booth at the event included Golden Crescent Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Gulf Bend Veteran Support.

"People come up to you and say thanks for serving your country," said Manuel Rivera, commander of the VFW. "It feels good."